The Children’s House is a place for children to develop and grow during a period of insatiable curiosity, innate independence, and nearly limitless learning potential. Each classroom environment is beautifully prepared to engage and challenge young minds while facilitating self-direction, confidence, competence, and a sense of belonging.

The Children’s House serves children during their primary years, ages 3 through 6, in a mixed-age classroom environment. Enrollment in the Children’s House implies that the child will complete the full cycle and remain enrolled during the kindergarten, or culminating, year. This is a crucial year for the child. It is the chance to become a leader in the community, to assume a role of greater responsibility and be an example for the younger children. It is the chance to synthesize everything they have learned during their time in the Children’s House, and take on the new, more challenging work that prepares them for elementary. In Montessori we call this the Culminating Year because it is truly the culmination of these very important years in a child’s life.

At Villa di Maria we do not limit young children with low expectations. We meet and challenge their abilities. During the primary years, children have a special power—the power of the absorbent mind. The primary child cannot help but learn. While working, playing, or socializing the primary child’s mind is taking in every detail in their surroundings—every last detail is absorbed unconsciously, simultaneously, and effortlessly, all to be pieced together as the child begins to construct sense of self.

We encourage independence in the Children’s House—the theme of this environment is “I can do it myself!” We provide endless opportunities to work and accomplish tasks independently, without adult-imposed barriers. We allow them to struggle and to make mistakes. The children gain confidence through the experiences of doing for themselves. Because they are allowed this confidence, they begin to learn they are competent. That competence inspires further confidence, and a virtuous cycle begins.

The role of the adults in the Children’s House is to follow the child’s lead. Our guides develop individual relationships with each child, learning their interests, personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and particular developmental needs. Each child is offered an ever-growing body of knowledge through formal lessons with the guide, and is allowed the freedom to explore and work at an individual pace. The Children’s House facilitates the child’s desire to continue to learn independently and to develop a sense of competence, confidence and responsibility as they progress through the program.

We offer the option of a Year-Round, All-Day Children’s House Program. Children in this program are in their environment with their guide and assistant year-round. Their environment and community are consistent throughout calendar year.

The Children’s House is offered during the academic year, Monday through Friday. Partial week enrollment is not offered. Program selection is made at the time of enrollment.

Please be aware that each Children’s House child is given a special start date. Incoming Children’s House child do not start on the first day of school. Children starting midyear will have special start dates determined at the time of enrollment.

Morning Work Cycle – 8:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m.

Morning Work Cycle + Lunch and Recess – 8:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.

Morning Work Cycle Community Lunch Outdoor Recess

All Day Program – 8:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.

Morning Work Cycle Community Lunch Outdoor Recess Nap or Afternoon Work Cycle (age- and readiness-dependent)

Early Care: Children can be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. with an additional fee.

Late Stay: Children can be picked up as late as 5:30 p.m. with an additional fee.

How old does my child need to be to start in the Children’s House?

The ideal age to start in thge Children’s House is 3 or early 4 years old. Because the Children’s House environment is mixed-age, children who start at 3 years old are given the full advantage of the progression into becoming the leaders of their communities.

Enrollment in the Children’s House implies that the child will complete the full cycle and remain enrolled during the kindergarten year, the Culminating Year.

My child is two years old. Is early enrollment possible?

In order to reap the full rewards of the Children’s House, children must be able to use the toilet independently and be able to communicate their basic needs. For most children, this happens at the age of three. Three is the ideal age to start in the Children’s House. If your child is a month or so shy of their third birthday and has attained these abilities, please let us know and we can discuss the possibilities.

My child is five years old. Is enrollment starting at five possible?

Children who are 5 years old may be admitted on a case-by-case basis and only with a commitment to continuing on into our Elementary program. We do not accept children for one-year enrollment. Prior Montessori experience is preferred.

How do we enroll?

The first step is to complete this short form to start a conversation with us. Someone from our admissions office will contact you very soon.

What is a special start date?

Every child starting in the Children’s House is given their own special start date. Incoming Children’s House child do not start on the first day of school.

We use the special-start-date process to ensure that the guide and assistant are available to give each and every child their full focus on their first day in the new community. Special start dates often run into late September. Please be aware and plan accordingly. Children starting midyear will have special start dates determined at the time of enrollment.

How much time will my child spend outdoors?

Children who stay until 1:00 p.m. or later will have an hour of outdoor recess after lunch every day in almost every type of weather, including light rain, snow, and sub-zero temperatures. We do not go out during extreme weather events, heavy rain, or thunderstorms. The time during cold weather is shortened.

In addition to recess, children spend time in their outdoor workspaces during the morning and afternoon work cycles.

All children in the Children’s House should have outerwear and footwear for all types of weather, as well as hats and mittens/gloves.

Should I send lunch with my child?

Yes. The children eat together as a community but bring their lunches from home.

When choosing a lunch box and planning lunches, please keep in mind our goal of encouraging and facilitiating the child’s need for independence. Prior to your child’s start date, you will meet with your child’s guide and learn more about how to pack an independence-friendly lunch.

My child will nap at school. What should I send?

Each napper should bring a small pillow, weather-appropriate blanket, and optional lovie/snuggly friend to school for nap. If pacifiers are being used, they should be left at home.

Can my child wear pull-ups to the Children’s House?

Children in this program must be able to use the toilet independently and must be fully out of diapers and/or pullups during waking hours.

We understand that accidents may happen, and we ask that you send changes of clothing for those times. Pullups may be used during nap.